Skua 1 British sounding rocket. In the original Skua version, 3 Chick boosters were used. The Bantam second stage burned for 30 seconds to boost the payload to 70 km. The payload deployed a radar-reflective parachute to allow winds aloft to be measured, and readings from a thermometer were radioed to the ground. More than 900 Skua 1's were launched from 11 sites in six countries. More...

Solid Solid propellants have the fuel and oxidiser embedded in a rubbery matrix. They were developed to a high degree of perfection in the United States in the 1950's and 1960's. In Russia, development was slower, due to a lack of technical leadership in the area and rail handling problems. Solid propellants have the fuel and oxidiser embedded in a rubbery matrix. They were developed to a high degree of perfection in the United States in the 1950's and 1960's. In Russia, development was slower, due to a lack of technical leadership in the area and rail handling problems. More...